Why does condensation form on windows and how to get rid of it

16.01.2023 05:30
Updated: 13.04.2023 11:24

Condensation begins to form on windows during the cold season.

Many people know that it appears due to high humidity. But is it really that obvious?

There are many reasons why condensation forms, so it is worth taking a closer look at the methods of combating it.

Main reasons

First of all, it is worth examining the main causes of condensation on windows.

  1. A boiling kettle.
  2. Drying clothes in the apartment.
  3. Steam in the bathroom.
  4. Availability of an aquarium.
  5. Lack of ventilation and others.

Another common reason is a wide window sill. If warm air from heating devices does not reach the windows, condensation will gradually begin to form, and it is unlikely that anything can be changed. In this case, it is necessary to reduce the size of the window sill or make ventilation holes, which should level out the problem.

Windows
Photo: © Belnovosti

How to get rid of condensation

It is necessary to accurately determine the cause of the condensation, then it will be easier to take further steps. Everyone should understand that the reasons are individual. In most cases, the person himself is to blame, who makes mistakes. Less often, the cause of condensation is the poor quality of the windows.

Reduce humidity

High humidity in the kitchen and bathroom is the main problem. You should cook under the lid, bathe behind a closed door. It is also worth opening the window while cooking to let in fresh and dry air. It is recommended to install forced ventilation in the bathroom, it should reduce the problem.

Replacing curtains

If warm air does not reach the windows, condensation gradually begins to form on the windows. In winter, it is recommended to use short curtains made of thick material. Of course, replacing the curtains will not be an effective solution; we are talking about banal prevention.

High-quality ventilation

If condensation starts to form in different rooms, it is worth starting with ventilation. The simplest solution is ventilation.
Once a day, you should open the windows in all rooms for about 10 minutes. This time will be enough for dry air to enter the room. In severe frosts, the windows can be opened for literally 3-4 minutes.

You shouldn't ignore the ventilation problem. Here's a simple tip: take a sheet of paper and hold it up to the ventilation.

If the leaf is attracted, everything is fine. If the leaf does not hold at all, most likely the ventilation is clogged. There is no particular point in cleaning the ventilation on your own; you need to seek help from specialists.

Raise the temperature

There are some basic recommendations.

  1. Install additional heating radiator sections.
  2. Improve air circulation. A simple example: you can make several holes in the window sill so that warm air rises to the window.
  3. Use additional heaters. You can temporarily connect a fan heater or other similar devices.

Air dryers

Thanks to dehumidifiers, you can solve such a problem. As practice shows, many people choose this method, completely forgetting about the rational side of the issue. Dehumidifiers are effective devices, but their effect will be temporary.

It is also worth remembering that dehumidifiers change the indoor microclimate. After their installation, respiratory problems may occur.

Dehumidifiers should be selected individually for the parameters of each room. And special attention should be paid to the manufacturer's recommendations. Dehumidifiers can be an assistant, but only if used correctly.

Elena Gutyro Author: Elena Gutyro Internet resource editor


Content
  1. Main reasons
  2. How to get rid of condensation
  3. Reduce humidity
  4. Replacing curtains
  5. High-quality ventilation
  6. Raise the temperature
  7. Air dryers